Photo By Steve Conner - #11 Austin Bolt
Written By: Sven Alskog
A core group of 10 All-League selections has graduated from the Borah football program, giving a new look to the Lions as they get ready for the season.
The returners are led by do-everything athlete Austin Bolt, who spent time running the offense from the quarterback position out of necessity last year and may potentially do the same this time around. Bolt has received offers from Utah State, Idaho, Montana and multiple other schools, making him one of the most sought-after players in the state this season.
Tanner Nett is the only returning starter on the offensive line, leaving that unit as one of many on the roster with plenty to prove.
“It always starts up front, and with only one starter back, we need to learn very fast how to play at the varsity level. Our skill guys need to take pressure off of Austin Bolt by being able to make the plays when their number is called,” said head coach Jason Burton.
Skill position pieces like Cameron Pruitt, Tyler Phimmasone, Austin Baker, Hunter Knoll and Isaac Niederer were all mentioned by the coach as newcomers to watch as complimentary options surrounding Bolt.
Pruitt has shown impressive growth in the offseason in regards to being a workhorse option, with Baker and Knoll adding toughness and Phimmasone being mentioned as an explosive runner.
Alec Gray is another option fron the quarterback position. Gray and Bolt have major shoes to fill with the departure of Jake Standlee, who excelled for the Lions over the last few years.
Burton is also excited about the new talent stepping into roles on the defensive side of the ball.
“We need to control the box. Our linebackers have the most experience with Joey Whiting and Austin Bolt, with Pruitt and Phimmasone getting reps last year [as well]. They will need to make sure everyone is aligned correctly and [they] need to be the playmakers.”
As a team, Borah is hungry to prove the skeptics wrong.
“I’m excited to be working with a group of guys that are high profile guys and [also for] having a chip on our shoulder to prove that we won’t drop as a program,” added Burton.
The Lions begin the season on August 29 against Rocky Mountain at Dona Larsen Park.